Vacation Planner Archives - Explore With Catherine

Disney Dining Plan• Planning 101• Travel Tips• Vacation Budgeting

Is The Disney Dining Plan Worth The Cost In 2026?

January 25, 2026

A Nemo themed snack at Walt Disney World

The Disney Dining Plan might seem like a simple add-on when you book your trip, but is it really worth the cost in 2026? Let’s be honest. It’s not cheap. But this is one decision you can’t make based on price alone. I see this all the time. Families skip the dining plan because it feels expensive. But, then they get to Walt Disney World and realize that’s…

Planning 101• Travel Tips• Vacation Planner

Theme Park Bag Packing List That Saves You Money

December 17, 2025

A crossbody bad sitting on the grass with theme park essentials in it

Packing a theme park bag sounds easy. Grab a backpack, throw in a few things, and assume you’ll just buy whatever you need once you get there. I used to do that too. But after missed rides and spending way too much on random snacks, I knew I had think harder about what I really needed to bring. As a travel advisor and a mom who has done…

Disney With Kids• Planning 101• Vacation Planner

Best Walt Disney World Rides for Babies and Toddlers

November 20, 2025

Baby on a Disney ride, holding onto the button in Magic Kingdom

Taking a baby or toddler to Walt Disney World looks different from the trips you may have taken before. You start noticing things you never paid attention to before. You start noticing things you never paid attention to before, like where the shade is, how loud a ride gets, and whether a line moves fast enough for a toddler who can’t stand still for long. That means you…

Gift Guide• Planning 101• Vacation Planner

How to Give the Gift of Travel For the Holidays

September 30, 2025

When you think of holiday gifts, you probably picture toys, sweaters, or gadgets that seem exciting for a short time before ending up forgotten in a drawer. Today, families are starting to make a different choice. A 2025 survey found that 82% of Americans would rather receive an experience than a physical gift. The reason is simple. Physical gifts don’t last. Experiences create memories that become part of…

Money Saving Deals• Norwegian Cruise• Planning 101• Vacation Planner

Alaska Cruise Tips: Why This Is the Best Way to See Alaska

August 16, 2025

The Norwegian Bliss sailing on an Alaska Cruise with mountains in the background.

If you’ve ever dreamed of watching glaciers while you sip coffee on your balcony, spotting whales in the distance, and ending the day with a sunset that turns the whole sky pink, an Alaska cruise should be at the top of your bucket list. You’ll sail past rugged coastlines, visit towns you can’t reach by road, and still have time to enjoy great food, live music, and hot…

Disney Dining• Planning 101• Saving For A Vacation• Vacation Budgeting• Walt Disney World

How to Stay on Budget While Eating at Walt Disney World

July 3, 2025

Let’s talk about how to keep your Walt Disney World food budget from totally ruining your plans. I’m heading to Walt Disney World solo soon for a work trip. And while it’s short timing, I’m doing something I always recommend families do way before they go. I need to figure out how much I’m actually going to spend on food. Ideally, you’d do this months—or even a year—before…

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